Hakim al-Ummat: The Life and Works of Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi

By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam 26 August 2024 Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi, Known As "Hakim Al-Ummat," Was A Prominent Indian Sunni Scholar, Jurist, And Sufi. He Made Significant Contributions To Islamic Scholarship, Particularly Through His Work Tafseer Naeemi. His Teachings And Writings Continue To Influence Islamic Thought, Reflecting His Deep Commitment To Education And Spirituality. Main Points: 1. Born in 1904 in Budaun, India, Naeemi pursued Islamic education from an early age, studying under renowned scholars. 2. Naeemi authored numerous influential works, including his magnum opus Tafseer Naeemi, which remains a significant Quranic exegesis. 3. He was shaped by notable scholars like Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi and became a caliph under Syed Naeem-ud-din Qadri Moradabadi. 4. Naeemi moved to Pakistan, where he continued his scholarly work, teaching, and issuing fatwas, further impacting Islamic jurisprudence. 5. He passed away in 1971 in Gujarat, Pakistan. His legacy endures through his writings and teachings, which continue to inspire Islamic scholarship. ------ Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi was an Indian Sunni Islamic scholar, commentator, jurist, and Sufi. Revered with the title “Hakim al-Ummat” (Wise Leader of the Nation), he is best known for his theological contributions, especially his magnum opus, Tafseer Naeemi, a comprehensive exegesis of the Quran. His works continue to influence Islamic discourse and scholarship across the globe. Early Life and Education He was born in the month of Shawwal in 1904 in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, India. From an early age, he was immersed in Islamic education under the guidance of his father, Muhammad Yaar Khan, until the age of 10. His early education laid a strong foundation for his later scholarly pursuits. In 1916, he attended Madrasa Shamsul Uloom in Budaun and studied there until 1919. His quest for knowledge led him to Moradabad, where he studied Islamic sciences under the tutelage of Maulana Qader Bakhsh Budauni. During this period, he also had the opportunity to meet Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, a meeting that profoundly influenced his intellectual and spiritual journey. After completing his studies at Jamia Naeemia Moradabad, he began teaching and writing. Naeemi's educational journey equipped him with extensive knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy, which later became evident in his writings and theological discussions. Scholarly Contributions and Literary Works Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi's scholarly career was marked by his dedication to Islamic education and jurisprudence. His move to Pakistan marked a significant phase in his life, where he continued to serve Islam through teaching, issuing fatwas (Islamic legal opinions), and writing extensively. His magnum opus, Tafseer Naeemi, remains one of the most widely read commentaries on the Quran, celebrated for its depth and insight within Sunni orthodoxy. In addition to his exegesis, Naeemi authored numerous other works that have significantly impacted Islamic scholarship. Some of his notable works include, Islami Hairat Angez Waqiyat-o-Halat, Islami Zindagi, Ja Al-HaqNoor-ul-Irfaan fee Haashiya e Qur’an, Israar-ul-Ahkaam Ba Anwaar-ul-Quran, Shaan-e-Habeeb-ur-Rahmān, Naeem-ul-Bari Fee Inshirah al-Bukhari, Miraat Sharah Mishkaat (8 Volumes). These works reflect Naeemi’s deep engagement with Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and spirituality. His writings are respected for their profound insights and contributions to Islamic thought. Teachers and Spiritual Influence Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi was deeply influenced by several prominent Islamic scholars, including Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, Naeemuddin Muradabadi, Qadir Bakhs Badayuni, and Ahmad Hasan Kanpuri. These teachers played a significant role in shaping his intellectual and spiritual development. He was a follower and caliph of Syed Naeem-ud-din Qadri Moradabadi, under whom he deepened his understanding of Sufism and Islamic jurisprudence. Legacy and Death Naeemi's legacy is marked by his profound contributions to Islamic scholarship and spirituality. He established Madrasa Ghausia Naeemia, where he dedicated his life to teaching and spreading Islamic knowledge. His works, especially ‘Tafseer Naeemi’ remain invaluable resources for scholars and students of Islam. Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi passed away on the 3rd of Ramadan, 1391 AH (24 October 1971), in Gujrat, Pakistan, where his shrine is also located. His contributions to Islamic thought and practice continue to inspire and educate Muslims around the world. His life and works stand as a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his deep commitment to serving the Islamic community. --- Sahil Razvi is an Author and Research scholar specialising in Sufism and History and an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia. URl: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/hakim-ummat-mufti-yaar-naeemi/d/133037 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism